In reference to this question, do you think that having a high reputation on this site will help to get a good job?

Aside silly and humorous questions, on Programmers we can see a lot of high quality theory questions. I think that, if Stack Overflow will eventually evolve in "strictly programming related" (which usually is "strictly coding related"), the questions on Programmers will be much more interesting and meaningful ("Stack Overflow" = "I have this specific coding/implementation issue"; "Programmers" = "Best practices, team shaping, paradigms, CS theory").

So could high reputation on this site help (or at least be a good reference)? And then, more o less than Stack Overflow?

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Keep in mind that Joel built a business around a product called "Wasabi," a language that is essentially a VBA clone with additional features. His approach to the software business (and, I suspect, to hiring practices) is not exactly orthodox.
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Robert HarveyNov 23 '10 at 19:47

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Hasn't this been asked several times already?
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HenryNov 23 '10 at 19:48

@Robert: but Joel is not the one and only employer... So my question is much more general. I think that a high reputation on Programmer might mean a high competence in design, best practices, paradigms, methodologies and so on.
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LorenzoNov 23 '10 at 19:51

@Henry: can you provide links to the duplicate questions?
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LorenzoNov 23 '10 at 19:52

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@drachen: The point of CW is collaborative knowledge, not to bypass rep gain.
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Josh KNov 23 '10 at 20:13

No, a high Programmers rep means you're good at transferring knowledge, which is a very valuable skill.
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Josh KNov 23 '10 at 19:55

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I think the upvotes on this answer proves your point.
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Robert HarveyNov 23 '10 at 21:13

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MY current "dream" job I got with 0 degrees, no hs diploma, and several years experience plus a review of my SO Answers, not that I've used Programmers Stack site much anyway, but I have to agree here. The last job I had was Government, they too review my SO Answers. Many more employers are becoming well aware of SO and hiring more based on it than "degrees" or other site/forum interest. Or so the my case has been for the last 2 years
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SpYk3HHMay 24 '13 at 14:38

@Pierre: Wrong country? Come on! I know someone from it, but he lives in Canada now, but he was an agile coach and consultant before he moved (I think). Also, there's one globally well-known agilist from Gent... You probably know/have met him.
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azheglovNov 24 '10 at 16:55

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Of course, if I have that opportunity one day, I will just.... TAKE IT!
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user2567Nov 24 '10 at 17:03

The Programmer's SE, as its FAQ says, is "for expert programmers who are interested in conceptual questions on software development."

Stack Overflow accomplishes a different, needed function -- troubleshooting source code, algorithms, and tools (SO FAQ). As others have noted, a high Stack Overflow reputation may or may not aid in getting a good job. Joel Spolsky certainly thinks so, but others disagree. I would say that even the highest rated Stack Overflow questions tend to have somewhat rote answers. They are relatively easy to rattle off one's memory, if you know the answer, or look up in a book. For most problems of that sort, there is a simple technological reason, easily communicated, why it is thus.

Communication is a vital aspect that sets apart intelligent life forms from unintelligent life forms. Communicating persuasively and objectively in the presence of subjectivity and strongly held opinions is a test of intelligence (and also humility and tact) that is useful to an employer.

Borrowing from the title of Joel Spolsky's helpful book, Smart and Gets Things Done, perhaps Programmer's SE measures the Smart and Stack Overflow measures the and Gets Things Done.

It will not get you a good job (assuming in programming here), but then neither will having a degree. What matters most is knowledge and experience in the field. Social sites aren't going to get you the job, they might make a difference in a tie-breaker kind of situation.

Caveat: It may depend on your posts, not just your reputation. If you have differing views to the majority, it could hurt you if a potential co-worker or manager sees your posting history and thinks "This guy doesn't like X, and we use X a lot. No hire."

EDIT: Or, worse, if you post something that disagrees with a decision at work and someone from your company finds it; you might find yourself fired because of StackExchange